From Insight to Action: UHN Nurses Reflect on ICN Congress 2025

Authors:

1. Valerie Tan, RN, MN, Research Coordinator, Collaborative Academic Practice, University Health Network
2. Maja Cardinale, RN, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre – Hematology Clinic; Co-Chair of the Corporate Professional Nursing Council, and DAISY Award Coordinator at University Health Network
3. Kim McLeese, RN, Toronto General Hospital ED; Co-Chair of the Corporate Professional Nursing Council, and DAISY Award Coordinator at University Health Network
4. Emma Bingham, RN, MN, CNN(c), Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network
5. Ian Alagadan, MN, RN, CHE, GNC(c), Nursing Manager, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network
6. Karelin Martina, RN, MN, PMP, Director, Practice-Based Education & Professional Practice Nursing Resource Team/Unit, University Health Network
7. Jennifer Reguindin, RN, MScN, GNC(c), CCNE, Manager, Professional Practice, Collaborative Academic Practice, University Health Network
8. Linda Liu, RN, MN, CPMHN(c), Advanced Practice Nurse Educator, Seniors Emergency Medicine (SEM) Centre, University Health Network
9. Pam Hubley, RN, VP Health Disciplines, Chief Nursing Executive
10. Alyssa Indar, RN, PhD, Director, Scholarship and Innovation, Collaborative Academic Practice, University Health Network

In June 2025, nurses from around the world united in Helsinki, Finland, for the International Council of Nurses (ICN) Congress. For nurses at the University Health Network (UHN), this was an important opportunity to share local practice innovations and link them to a collective, global vision for the future of health and the nursing profession. As the leading research hospital network in Canada, UHN nurses value engagement in professional development opportunities that fuel their identities across the domains of practice, education and scholarship. At the ICN Congress, UHN nurses shared knowledge from professional practice initiatives across clinical specialties such as rehabilitation, perioperative care, oncology, critical care and many others. Attendance at the ICN Congress was an important opportunity for nurses to engage in critical conversations and reflect on their professional roles within our increasingly complex global healthcare systems.

We conducted a short survey to capture reflections and key learnings from our UHN nurses, with diverse roles across the organization. Their responses illustrate how professional development opportunities can reinforce nursing potential to shape systems of care, in service of patients, communities and populations.

Post-ICN Congress 2025 Survey Results

All nurses who responded to the post-conference survey agreed or strongly agreed that the ICN Congress 2025 was valuable to their professional development. When asked to rate the overall experience, 86% described it as “outstanding”.

We asked UHN nurses to describe their experience in 3 words:

We asked UHN nurses to describe how they will translate key learnings into practice improvements at individual, unit and organizational levels. The figure below highlights that all nurses were inspired to pursue further education and certification. In addition, nurses will apply what they have learned in a variety of ways with clinical impact.

UHN Nurses: Focused Reflections on Leadership

Leadership was a key theme at the ICN Congress, as a new definition of nurse and nursing was released (https://www.icn.ch/news/icns-new-definition-nurse-and-nursing-global-milestone-professional-identity). To capture reflections on this topic, we asked attendees what they learned about themselves, when reflecting on their leadership roles as nurses.

 “[I learned] that I value the nursing community in all its dimensions. All the different ways we impact patient care, community health, and the healthcare system as a whole – at all levels in all ways”. - KM, Director

 “I realized that I’m more of a leader than I thought. Listening to stories of advocacy and innovation made me reflect on how I show up for my team and patients. I learned that leadership isn’t always about titles- it's about influence, courage, and consistency. I left feeling more confident in my ability to speak up and support change”. She also emphasized that you do not need to wait for permission to be a change-maker: “Whether it’s through small acts of advocacy or mentoring the next generation, your voice matters- and it’s already making a difference!” – KM, Emergency Department Nurse

 “Leadership is not about having all the answers, but about creating space for others to contribute, grow, and feel seen”. – IA, Nurse Manager

“ICN allowed me to see nursing in a global platform. We all contribute to the profession, and it is a matter of leaning in on each other and learning from each other across countries, cultures, and specialties to move the nursing profession forward”. –JR, Manager

Advice for Nursing Students and New Graduate Nurses

Reflecting on the energy of the ICN Congress, we asked our nurses to share advice for nursing students and new graduate nurses:

“To get involved in quality improvement or research early in your career – don't feel like these things are restricted to individuals with Masters degrees or PhDs. Especially at UHN, there are so many ways to contribute, and nurses truly are innovators and change agents. Don’t be afraid to step forward – reach out to a mentor or a role model, and you’ll be amazed at the impact you can make!” – EB, Neurovascular Nurse

“1. Stay curious – embrace learning and ask questions. 2. Find your voice – you don’t need years of experience or additional degrees to advocate for safe care or speak up for your patients. 3. Lean on your community – nursing is a team effort. Build relationships and don’t be afraid to ask for help. 4. Protect your wellbeing – burnout is real. Make self-care and boundaries part of your practice from day one”. - KM, Emergency Department Nurse.

“Your voice matters — so when you speak, don’t shy away from sharing your thoughts, ideas, or experiences. Seek out opportunities for growth and surround yourself with those who value your contributions and believe in your potential. Find like-minded individuals and supportive leaders who will help shape and guide you into the nurse and leader you were meant to become — confident, compassionate, and empowered to make a difference.” – MC, Hematology Nurse

“Nursing is vast and ever-evolving. As you step into practice, take time to understand the landscape within your own context—be present, be observant, and be responsive to the needs around you. But also remember: you are part of a global community. There are realities, challenges in the nursing profession that extend beyond our provincial borders. Whether locally or globally, collaboration and shared wisdom are the heartbeat of nursing. Your journey is not just about what you know, but how you grow alongside others”. – JR, Manager

“To explore, let curiosity move you, dig deep into experiences, and be/do the change you hope to see”. - KM, Director

In their Own Words: Key Takeaways from ICN Congress 2025

“Nursing is more than just a career; it is a catalyst for resilience, innovation, and equity in global health. The focus on leadership development, digital transformation, and planetary health made it abundantly clear that nurses have a key role in addressing the most important issues facing the globe”. - KM, Emergency Department Nurse

“[I felt] a deep sense of gratitude for living in Canada and working in an institution that prioritizes education and professional growth for its staff. It was also eye-opening to realize that healthcare professionals around the world are facing similar challenges- particularly burnout, lack of advocacy for self-care, and the ongoing impact of social determinants of health on both patients and providers. This shared global experience reinforced the importance of supporting one another and continuing to push for systemic change in how we care for our communities and ourselves”. - MC, Hematology Nurse

“My biggest takeaway was visiting the two care sites in Helsinki. I also wonder what [our] role in disaster nursing should be”.

“[I valued seeing] the incredible innovations that nurses are driving across all fields – from bedside to research, policy, government, and beyond. It was inspiring to witness the breadth of our impact and the possibilities ahead”. - EB, Neurovascular Nurse

Looking Towards the Future of Nursing

Active participation in international nursing conferences, such as the ICN Congress in Helsinki (2025), offer energizing opportunities to collectively affirm that nurses are transforming health, globally. UHN nurses acknowledge that the future of nursing is dependent on our ability to drive collaborative health solutions, lead confidently from our unique expertise and communicate our impact through scholarship.